afraid to admit i have a problem

[bestuncfan]

afraid to admit i have a problem

ok i was in the us army. i last served in iraq in 2006, since have left the military to try and live a normal life. I am failing terribly at this attempt. I am constantly hounded by thoughts that im not alone, have issues being somewhere with more than 10 people, feel like i didnt do enough serving my country, cant sleep much, but yet either im to proud or ashamed to admit to anyone that i have a problem. this is the first time that i have actually said anything to anyone. my wife knows something aint right but i just tell her its because im not sleeping. i am so tirred of this but dont know what to do. any help steering me in the right direction or just some friendly advice would be great. thanks and thanks to all who have served

 

[Jimmy1]

Hey bestuncfan, my name is Jimmy.

The one thing Anthony (the administrator), who made this forum, insists on, is that only veterans can be here. So welcome to the forum.

There are technical names for all the things you are feeling. Such as hypervigilence (constantly looking over your shoulder and being aware of your surroundings), your anxiety in large crowds. These come hand in hand.

There are probably better people on this site that can give you more insight, as I am in the middle of therapy and cant really help right now, but my advice would be to go to your nearest VA and get assessed.

The other website is www.ptsdforum.org, has much more information on PTSD and also has useful information for families , friends and carers.

All I can say is I know what it is like when you feel your whole world is falling apart, and you have know idea why.

So in the interim, have a read through some of the introductions and you will see a lot of similarities and if you just want someone to chat to, I am here mate.

Just remember, although the people on this forum may be thousands of miles away, you are not alone mate.

Jimmy

 

[anthony]

this is the first time that i have actually said anything to anyone. my wife knows something aint right but i just tell her its because im not sleeping. i am so tirred of this but dont know what to do.

Mate... you just took the first step to helping yourself, well done. Nobody can help you except you... we can only advise and guide you, what you do with the knowledge, advice or opinions is completely up to you.

The hardest part of the entire process is actually admitting you have a problem. The rest is hard, sure... but shit, living with this in denial isn't exactly peachy... hence why I say to people, admission is a good part over. It means you recognise a problem exists, it means you are now looking to improve and get yourself better.

I will be blunt. It can be done, it can't be cured, but it can be treated and managed with a little hard work from yourself.

Welcome to getting better.

 

[BioHazard]

Welcome, bestuncfan. I have been where you are at right now, and can relate better than you might imagine. Like Jimmy and Anthony said, you've taken the first step to coping with this disorder. I also second their advice to contact your local VA hospital and have an assessment. You don't have to make an appointment, as most VA Medical Centers have a walk-in clinic every day from about 7 a.m. to 1 or 2 p.m., and can usually get you in to see a therapist or psychiatrist that very day. You will have to fill out a questionairre and then sit and talk with the doc for approximately an hour. The doctor will ask you about your home life, your employment status, your experiences in Iraq, and whether or not you are abusing any substances, such as alcohol or drugs. They're also going to ask you if you have had any thoughts about hurting yourself or others. Answer the questions honestly, and you're golden. If you admit to using illegal drugs, they're not going to call the police or anything. They will try to get you any and all help that they can to help you start down the road to coping with PTSD. Good Luck to you, and keep us posted!

-James

 

[crashtruckchuck]

-Bestuncfan,
Welcome to the forum. Like alot of us may be, I am exactly where you are right now but, I started seeing a therapist and and Head Doc a few weeks ago so I may be a little further along. My advice, you took the first step to admit there is something wrong and there is nothing wrong with that. It hurts at first because you feel like you have failed yourself somehow by not being able to control yourself and the things you do. From what I have learned, this is normal. I do suggest you seek some sort of professional help, it was the best thing I could have ever done for myself. My wife notices a slight difference in the way I am now compared to the way I was. Another suggestion is something you have already done as well, seek out others like you for support. I feel so much better knowing there are others like me out there. We are here for you and proud of the job you did. Don't worry, you won't change overnight, but things will change for you. It is a slow process, but, things do change... it may not be perfect, but they do change. If you need to talk, we are all here for you.
-Scotty

 

[raydarluvr1]

Hi bestuncfan. I'm Jeff. Welcome. I look forward to seeing your posts. :)